Alert - Vehicle Break-ins and Thefts

Nassau County police urge us to help get this message out to all residents that, day or night, please (1) lock your vehicles remove your keys (FOB) from the vehicle, and (2) Never leave valuables in view, whether parked in your driveway, on the street, or in a parking lot while shopping. Car thefts and break-ins (and attempts) remain a crime of opportunity, especially in more affluent neighborhoods. Police note thieves are increasing and shifting their searches from evening to the daytime. Our residents are doing an ever improving job of reducing car thefts and break-ins by locking and not leaving keys(FOB) in the car, but thieves are still finding such ‘crimes of opportunity’. To the thief it’s a ‘lower risk’ crime - When a thief enters your unlocked car, rummages through your car and leave with nothing, it becomes nuisance crime activity and very difficult to effectively prosecute. However, even if thieves get just a few successful thefts of possessions or the whole car in a neighborhood, that area remains an attractive target to thieves.

Our 6^th Pct does remain on constant marked and unmarked vigilant patrols for this activity. YOU CAN HELP:

• See something; say something; CALL 911. If you see suspiciously activity such as unknown persons walking or driving slowing on your block (scouting for targets), checking car door handles, don’t place yourself in danger - CALL 911 ASAP. Thieves often intentionally conceal their face with masks or hooded shirt/jackets as they search. If you are a victim, call 911 as soon as you discover it. Some residents feel embarrassed and don’t even report incidents to police when nothing is taken. Don’t be embarrassed - any details of such activity does help police investigations.  If you have a surveillance system that captures suspicious persons or vehicle license plates, give that information or video to responding police.
• In some more modern vehicles, when the keys(FOB) are left in the car, often the mirrors remain standing out; when the FOB is removed from car, mirrors automatically fold inward. Thieves look for these greater opportunities.
• For older vehicles, be aware that vehicle catalytic converter thefts are on the rise due to its expensive replacement cost which can be $1,000 or more. Experienced thieves can crawl under your car and cut out the catalytic converter in under 2 minutes, even doing it in crowded car parking lots and even in broad daylight! It’s a part of a vehicle exhaust system that converts harmful gas engine exhaust to less harmful emissions (smaller than a muffler), with a life of 10 years or more. It often causes your check engine lamp to illuminate and replacement is needed to pass a NYS required annual inspection vehicle emission test. The precious metal global scarcity and cost is making catalytic converters more prone to theft. If you do need a replacement, be suspicious of low cost used parts as they are often unscrupulous stolen parts, exacerbating this criminal activity; Always use a reputable mechanic.

Help keep us all safer by preventing oppounity to theives!

Pharmaceutical Disposal Sites (Shed the Meds): Excess and expired medicines are a hazard in your home and require special disposal. DO NOT dispose of medications in your drains or normal trash... they seep into our underground water supplies, and if left in medcine cabinets can be potentially harmful to you and your family. Nassau County Police hold community events throughout the year at specific location. Additionally, NCPD provides a pharmaceutical disposal collection bin in the lobby of all precincts. Nearest lobby is 6th Pct at 100 Community Drive, Manhasset NY.

West Nile Spraying is conducted as needed with notification to affected communities. Currently there are no scheduled activity and this message will be updated if/when it is scheduled. Last spraying was conducted in Aug 2014. When it occurs, sraying is done by ground trucks engaged by Nassau County Dept of Health. Recognized recommendations:

- Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the treatment period and for about 30 minutes afterwards. One should also:

- Keep windows & doors shut. Turn off window fans. Set AC's to recirculate; close fresh air intake vent, if able.

- Keep children’s toys indoors.

- Keep pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys.

- Cover any 'live fish ponds' during the spraying hours.

- Vegetable gardens:  if being picked on day after spraying, wash vegetables.

Since the effects of the ground treatment dissipate in a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use, although doing so will not diminish the effectiveness of the pesticide applied. More detail on Nassau County Website (link)